United Way of the Southern Alleghenies is proud to announce a significant allocation of $1,044,252 to 39 partner agencies across Blair, Cambria, and Somerset counties. These funds will directly support vital programming designed to address community needs that would otherwise remain unserved or underserved.
Core investments continue to fund programs that provide early childhood development, parental engagement, and youth drug and alcohol prevention services and education.
United Way's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents in these counties is also demonstrated through growing direct programming:
- Diaper Bank: Ensuring that infants and toddlers have access to clean diapers.
- SNAP at the Market: Enabling SNAP users the opportunity to purchase fresh, healthy foods from the Downtown Johnstown Farmers Market, promoting better nutrition and well-being.
- Toasty Toddler: Distributing warm clothing to young children during the cold winter months, ensuring they stay warm and healthy.
- Glass Slipper Project: Offering prom dresses and accessories to high school students who might not otherwise afford them.
- Stuff the Bus (with school supplies): Collecting and distributing essential school supplies to students, ensuring they have the tools they need for a successful academic year.
Additionally, United Way's umbrella organizations continue to play a crucial role in the community:
- Family Resource Center of Blair County: Providing a range of services to support families, from parenting classes to resource referrals, as well as the evidence-based Parents as Teachers program.
- Healthy Blair County Coalition: Promoting health and wellness initiatives across Blair County, striving to improve overall community health. Implements the community health needs assessment now underway. Billie Kochara was hired as the new director to lead the coalition.
- Early Childhood Systems Coordinator: This initiative is funded in partnership with the 1889 Foundation, Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, and Lee Initiatives in collaboration with the Center for Population Health and Vision Together 2025. Lauren Lazzari was hired as the early childhood systems coordinator. Lauren is focusing on developing and coordinating early childhood programs, ensuring that young children receive the support and education they need for a strong start in life.
These programs helped more than 82,000 people last year. The United Way plans to help even more in the coming cycle.
“None of this work would be possible without the caring power of community. Our origin charter included the phrase ‘strengthening the spirit of human helpfulness.’ I think it nicely summarizes the collaborative nature of what we do," United Way President & CEO Karen Struble Myers said.